By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has debunked an audio recording circulating across the country claiming it has closed down the manufacturing facility of Tummy Tummy noodles in Anambra State and imposed a ban on tinned tomatoes and Maggi seasoning cubes.
This is contained in a Wednesday statement signed by Director General of the agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.
She said that the audio recording is recirculating on social media and messaging platforms after first surfacing in October 2023, when it was thoroughly investigated.
Prof. Adeyeye said, “NAFDAC categorically disclaims the contents of the recording and fully dissociates itself from it.
“Contrary to the claims made in the recording, the Tummy Tummy noodles facility in Anambra State was not sealed.
“A NAFDAC inspection team conducted an unscheduled visit to the facility, collected samples of four different noodle variants, and submitted them to the Agulu Laboratory for evaluation.
“The results returned satisfactory, with no infractions recorded.”
She said that the individual who created the audio falsely claimed to be acting in collaboration with the agency and alleged the presence of “acetyl methyl” as a preservative in the product.
“This was unfounded and misleading. NAFDAC found no evidence to support the claims and reiterates that the company was not in violation of any safety or regulatory standards.
“Furthermore, following widespread concern in 2023 about the presence of ethylene oxide in instant noodles, NAFDAC conducted a comprehensive investigation at both factory and market levels.
“Findings confirmed that ethylene oxide or its derivative was not present in any instant noodles or seasonings produced in Nigeria.
“Additionally, mycotoxin levels and heavy metals were within internationally acceptable limits, confirming the safety of Nigerian-made noodles.”
In the same vein, Adeyeye affirmed that there is no ban on tinned tomatoes or Maggi seasoning cubes in Nigeria.
She further appealed to the general public to disregard the misleading audio and refrain from spreading unverified content.
“NAFDAC remains proactive and committed to its mandate of safeguarding public health by ensuring that only safe, high-quality, and properly regulated food and drug products are available to Nigerians,” Adeyeye maintained.
